Understanding Credit Hours at Embry-Riddle
Credit hours are a crucial element in the academic landscape, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) is no exception. Credit hours represent the amount of academic work required to complete a course or program. Understanding how to calculate credit hours is essential for planning your academic journey and ensuring you meet all graduation requirements.
Determining Course Credit Hours
At ERAU, the number of credit hours assigned to a course is primarily based on the following factors:
- Contact Hours: The number of hours students spend meeting with the instructor or attending lectures, discussions, or labs.
- Outside-of-Class Work: The time expected for students to complete assignments, study, and prepare for class outside of scheduled meeting times.
- Instructional Method: The delivery format of the course (e.g., online, face-to-face, hybrid) can also influence credit hours.
Calculation Formula
To calculate credit hours for an individual course, multiply the number of contact hours by 0.75. This formula accounts for the estimated outside-of-class work required for each contact hour. For example:
- A course with 3 hours of contact time per week would have (3 x 0.75) = 2.25 credit hours.
- A course with 1 hour of contact time per week would have (1 x 0.75) = 0.75 credit hours.
Program Credit Hour Requirements
The total number of credit hours required for an undergraduate degree at ERAU varies depending on the program and major. Typical ranges are as follows:
- Associate Degree: 60-72 credit hours
- Bachelor’s Degree: 120-136 credit hours
- Master’s Degree: 30-36 credit hours
Transfer Credit Hours
Transfer students may bring in credit hours earned from other accredited institutions. ERAU evaluates transfer credit based on the following criteria:
- Course Content Match: The course must substantially align with an ERAU course.
- Grade Requirement: Most transfer credits require a grade of C or higher.
- Time Limit: Transfer credits must have been earned within a certain timeframe (typically six years).
Important Considerations
- Full-Time vs. Part-Time Study: Full-time students typically take 12-16 credit hours per semester, while part-time students may take fewer.
- Financial Aid: Financial aid is often based on the number of credit hours a student is enrolled in.
- Graduation Requirements: Students must complete the required number of credit hours in their chosen program to graduate.
Useful Tables
Table 1: Credit Hour Calculation Formula
| Contact Hours | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.75 |
| 2 | 1.5 |
| 3 | 2.25 |
| 4 | 3 |
| 5 | 3.75 |
Table 2: Credit Hour Requirements for Undergraduate Degrees
| Degree | Credit Hour Range |
|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-72 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120-136 |
Table 3: Factors Influencing Course Credit Hours
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Contact Hours | Number of hours in class |
| Outside-of-Class Work | Time spent studying and completing assignments |
| Instructional Method | Delivery format (e.g., online, face-to-face) |
Table 4: Transfer Credit Criteria
| Criteria | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Course Content Match | Course must substantially align with ERAU course |
| Grade Requirement | Most transfer credits require a grade of C or higher |
| Time Limit | Transfer credits must be earned within a certain timeframe (typically six years) |